Meaning: This quote by George Kennan, a prominent historian and diplomat, provides a critical perspective on the nature of political accords and agreements in the context of authoritarian regimes. The metaphor of "fig leaves" and "nakedness" effectively captures the idea that such accords serve as superficial coverings for the underlying reality of dictatorial rule. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical and political context in which it was made, as well as to examine the broader implications of the relationship between democratic procedures and authoritarian regimes.

George Kennan was an influential figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, particularly known for his advocacy of containment as a strategy to counter Soviet influence. With his deep understanding of the Soviet Union and its political dynamics, Kennan's assessment of the nature of political accords holds significant weight. The quote reflects a skepticism towards the genuineness of democratic procedures within the framework of Stalinist dictatorship, suggesting that such procedures are merely superficial and do not alter the fundamental nature of the regime.

In the context of the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the facade of legitimacy that the regime sought to maintain through the semblance of democratic processes. Despite the existence of formal political institutions and procedures, the ultimate power and decision-making authority resided in the hands of Stalin and the ruling elite. This disparity between the outward appearance of democratic governance and the underlying reality of authoritarian control is encapsulated in Kennan's metaphor of "fig leaves" and "nakedness."

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the inherent contradiction between democracy and dictatorship. While democratic procedures are meant to embody principles of transparency, accountability, and popular participation, these values are fundamentally at odds with the centralized and repressive nature of a dictatorship. In this light, the accords and democratic processes within a dictatorial framework can be seen as a means of maintaining a semblance of legitimacy and international acceptance, rather than as genuine expressions of democratic governance.

Kennan's critique of the accords as fig leaves of democratic procedure also raises broader questions about the nature of international relations and the role of diplomatic agreements in dealing with authoritarian regimes. It prompts consideration of whether engaging in diplomatic negotiations and signing accords with such regimes inadvertently legitimizes and perpetuates their authoritarian rule. This perspective underscores the complexities and ethical dilemmas that confront policymakers and diplomats when dealing with regimes that espouse democratic principles while simultaneously suppressing political freedoms and human rights.

In conclusion, George Kennan's quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the intricate interplay between democratic procedures and authoritarian regimes. It challenges the notion that formal accords and political processes can effectively mask the underlying reality of dictatorial rule. By invoking the imagery of fig leaves and nakedness, Kennan highlights the inherent contradictions and complexities inherent in the relationship between democracy and dictatorship, urging a critical examination of the role of diplomatic agreements in dealing with authoritarian regimes.